For the past 30 years, the East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation (EANDC) has been bringing revitalization home to Summit County.

On Sept. 25th, EANDC broke ground on Robinson Homes East, a 27 single-family-home development. This will be central to the East Akron Neighborhood Revitalization Plan that will include housing rehabilitation efforts and vacant lot reuse.

"Since 1982, EANDC has worked successfully to strengthen the Akron-area by rebuilding neighborhoods, protecting property values and allowing residents to achieve the American dream," said EANDC Executive Director, Grady Appleton.

"The Robinson Homes East is our latest effort to strengthen this community by adding new, high quality housing options."

The 27 unit infill housing project is for the Robinson School area, constructed on 11 different streets in the East Akron neighborhood. It will feature 19, four-bedroom and 8, three-bedroom homes.

Types of Homes

The homes will have 4 different floor plans, and 5 homes will be single-story units compatible with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Applebee said the rent for a 3-bedroom home will range from $450 to $590, and $675 to $690 for a 4-bedroom home. All 27 homes will have a detached one-car or two-car garage.

The unit amenities include a refrigerator, dishwasher, pantry, basement, carpet/vinyl flooring, central heat and air conditioning (including a 92 percent efficient furnace), a 40-gallon high efficiency water heater, porch with column beam, patio, window blinds, washer/dryer hook-ups and automatic garage doors.

The Robinson Homes East project is a part of the larger East Akron Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, which includes help from Kent State University's Urban Design Collaborative.

Besides the 27 new homes, the Revitalization Plan will include lead paint abatement, weatherization and vacant lot management and reuse.

$7 Million Dollar Investment

"We are spearheading a $7 million dollar investment in this community," Applebee said. "Today's ground-breaking ceremony is the first step in implementing this neighborhood. The East Akron Plan will change the look of this community, strengthen the bottom lines of property owners and encourage new investment – large and small."

Appleton was joined by Akron Mayor Donald L. Plusquellic. Representatives from the development's financial partners; Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing, Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Huntington Bank and NeighborWorks America made brief remarks followed by the traditional "overturning dirt" shovel photo opportunity.

Testa Builders is the general contractor for the project while RDL Architects, Inc. is the project architect.

Construction started in August and completion is anticipated by June 30, 2014.

For more information: http://eandc.org/

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